23 Comments
Jan 2, 2023Liked by Justin Deming

Yowza! What a ride! The tension started building in the first paragraph and never let up. I clenched my teeth all the way down the mountain. To me, the ride was scarier than the little people and pumas! But I am not a skier. I am a sucker for a good cliff-hanger.

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Awesome, Sharron! I’m glad the tension came through for you. Skiing can be terrifying at times. I felt that I needed to cut the story there for this week. I don’t normally post stories this length on Substack, but I’m excited to post part two!

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Fantastic start to the week and the New Year, Justin. Can't wait for part two. 🏔️

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I really appreciate the kind words. I’m so happy you enjoyed it! Thanks, Meg! 🙏

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Absolutely loved this. Hooked! It definitely gave me King vibes (the master - just finished Billy Summers and received Fairy Tale as a Christmas gift). I look forward to the second part!

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Thanks so much, Chris! I’m glad you liked the story! Ahh, man, Fairy Tale was absolutely spellbinding. I received it for Christmas, too. I think you’ll love it. I haven’t read Billy Summers yet but I’ve heard great things. Hoping to get to it later this year!

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Jan 2, 2023Liked by Justin Deming

This story really grabbed my attention, Justin! I remember your telling me about the "adventure" you and your brother had skiing, and thought the story was going in that direction, but was very surprised at the encounter with the mountain lions and little man!!! Can't wait to read the next part of the tale!

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Thanks so much for reading, Andrea! I’m really happy you enjoyed the story. Haha, I remember telling you about that. It feels like a lifetime ago!

Happy New Year to you and your family. I hope you had a restful break.

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Jan 3, 2023Liked by Justin Deming

Happy New Year to you and your family, too, Justin. Hope you enjoyed your break. We will have to catch up soon!

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Aahhh! This took me back to my alpine skiing days! Looking forward to parts 2 and 3. 😊

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What the what?! I was not expecting that at all, but you've got me hooked now!

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Haha! This is my favorite reaction. Thanks for reading, Claire! 😄

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Great story, it kept me interested.

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Thanks, Pennie! I’m really happy to hear that.

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A story in two parts! Terrific way to keep us (and the big cats) hungry for more. And the dude at the end...did not see that coming!

And yes, I read Fairy Tale. Its structure reminded me of the Talisman.

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Thanks, Amie! I’ve heard others mention the same about Fairy Tale. I never had a chance to read the Talisman, but maybe I’ll add it to my TBR pile.

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Jan 3, 2023Liked by Justin Deming

Happy New Year to you and your family, too, Justin! Hope you enjoyed your break. We will have to catch up soon!

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Ah, man, you're going to make me wait for the next part! This is great, and I'm sure it will finish wonderfully. I'm going to check out that Stephen King book. It sounds really interesting.

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Haha, forgive me! Thanks so much. I’m happy you enjoyed it!

This story kept pouring out and ended up being much longer than I anticipated. I like to keep my stories under five minutes here on Substack, but I overshot the landing big time!

Being a fan of portal stories, I think you’ll absolutely love it. It’s such a fun mash-up and page-turner.

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Jan 2, 2023Liked by Justin Deming

A very unexpected slippery slope. Eagerly but not patiently awaiting part two.

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Thanks, Sharon! That’s what I like to hear! 😄

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You are starting the year on fire, Justin! Loved this story and can’t wait for part 2!

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I’m really happy you enjoyed the story, Kim! Thanks for the words of encouragement!

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